By Jennifer Frost
It has been projected that, by 2050, there will be an excess of 83 million people over the age of 65 in the USA, which is more than double the number of how many there are now. Of the current senior population, as much as 90% plan to remain in their own homes for the next 10 years, while only 65% of seniors between the ages of 60 and 70 find it comfortable to live autonomously. One of the biggest problems of ‘aging in place’ is that a typical home poses a lot of dangers for an older individual who may have experienced a decrease in cognitive and physical abilities. Thankfully, most of these concerns can be addressed through a range of home remodeling projects that will make it substantially easier and safer for a senior to age in place while also adding substantial financial value to the property.
Change your flooring
Uneven, damaged flooring can be the cause of multiple trips and falls among seniors and also negatively affect a house’s value. If the current flooring in a home is in a very bad condition, it may be in your best interest to have it replaced in its entirety. While this can cause somewhat of a disruption in the household, your home will soon be returned to its former splendor once the remodeling is complete. If a total floor remodel is not required, you can focus your attention on things that will make it easier and safer to move around the house. Ensure that carpets are securely attached to the floor and that it is no thicker than half an inch thick. Tile flooring should be fitted with an anti-slip coating. This is particularly important in the presence of water sources such as in the kitchen and bathroom.
Replace the faucets
According to the CDC, more than 54 million adults in the USA have arthritis with the majority being over the age of 65. This makes aging in place increasingly difficult. One of the simplest remodeling projects to tackle as far as aging in place is concerned is the replacement of all the faucets in the house. Hands-free faucets in the kitchen and bathroom are ideal for people who are unable to grip a regular faucet handle while replacing twist handles with levers can also make a notable difference. While in the process of replacing the faucets it is also worth mentioning that anti-scald faucets can prevent nasty burns from occurring in the bath or shower.
Install grab bars around the house
Many seniors who want to age in place are living with mobility concerns of varying degrees. By installing grab bars and railings in high-risk areas such as the bedroom and bathroom, the number of slips and falls a senior with these limitations experience can be reduced significantly. The placement of the rails and bars will depend solely on the needs of the senior. It is important to ensure that a grab bar or rail can sustain at least 250 pounds of weight, making it imperative that they are fastened into wall studs and not just sheetrock. Installing rails is a fairly simple task and can be undertaken by anyone with some basic DIY knowledge.
Remodeling a house to make it more conducive to aging in place can prove to be very beneficial in more ways than one. By investing the required time and money required to carry out a series of remodeling projects, seniors can continue to live in the houses of their choice.
